SAN ANTONIO — Near the end of “A Raisin in the Sun,” Lorraine Hansberry's seminal 1959 play about the African-American Younger family as it prepares to move into a white, middle-class neighborhood, they get a visit from a man named Karl Lind-ner.

He also pops up in “Clybourne Park,” Bruce Norris' 2010 play, which is getting a terrific staging in The Playhouse San Antonio's Cellar Theater. The first act is set concurrently with “Raisin,” in the house that the Youngers have purchased, right around the same time as “Raisin.” In that act, current owners Russ (Gary Hoeffler) and Bev (Catherine Babbitt) are confronted by some of their neighbors — including Lindner (well-played by John Stillwaggon) about whom they've sold their house to. It turns out that the couple, grieving the loss of their son, have a lot of good reasons to not care much about their neighbors' wishes. Hoeffler is particularly strong in those scenes.

The second act is set 50 years later, as a new, white couple (Meredith Bell Alvarez and Stillwaggon) has purchased the home as part of a drive toward gentrification in the neighborhood. They want to make major changes, which doesn't set well with some African-American neighbors (Megan van Dyke and Andrew Hardaway), who see the historical significance of the home. The act illustrates that issues of race and class haven't progressed much in the past half-century, a notion underscored by the fact that the same actors appear in both acts.

The show is directed with a sure hand by Matthew Byron Cassi. Alfy Valdez has worked his usual magic with the set. Those who can stay in their seats through intermission are in for a treat as they watch the backstage crew transform the home of the '50s — complete with hardwood floors and carefully chosen wallpaper — into a graffiti-racked wreck.

The show is thought-provoking and well-acted across the board. Don't miss it.

“Clybourne Park” can be seen at 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sundays through April 6 in the Cellar Theater at the Playhouse San Antonio, San Pedro Park at Ashby. Additional show at 8 p.m. March 30. Tickets cost $10-$25. Visit theplayhouse
sa.org to purchase tickets or call 210-733-7258 for reservations.